FastPeopleSearch has become one of the most controversial people search engines on the internet, exposing personal information of millions of Americans for free. With over 301,000 monthly searches for “fastpeoplesearch” alone, this platform has sparked intense debate about digital privacy rights and data protection.
Whether you’ve discovered your personal information on FastPeopleSearch.com or you’re researching someone else, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about this data broker, including step-by-step removal instructions, privacy protection strategies, and legal alternatives.
Quick Summary:
- FastPeopleSearch is a free people search engine that displays personal information from public records
- The platform shows names, addresses, phone numbers, relatives, and property details without consent
- Removal is possible but requires a specific opt-out process that we’ll detail below
- The site poses significant privacy and security risks that most users are unaware of
What Is FastPeopleSearch?
FastPeopleSearch is a data aggregation website launched in August 2017 by Mississippi Tornado Alley LLC. The platform describes itself as bringing “next-generation Telephony and Big-Data access to the general public,” but critics view it as an invasive privacy violation tool.
The website operates as a free people search engine, reverse phone lookup service, and address directory. Unlike traditional background check services that charge fees, FastPeopleSearch provides basic personal information at no cost, making it accessible to anyone with internet access.
How FastPeopleSearch Works
The platform uses automated data collection systems to gather information from multiple sources:
Public Records Databases:
- Voter registration records
- Property deeds and ownership records
- Court documents and legal filings
- Marriage and divorce certificates
- Business licenses and registrations
Third-Party Data Brokers:
- LexisNexis
- Spokeo
- Acxiom
- TransUnion
- Other commercial data providers
Online Sources:
- Social media profiles (publicly available information)
- Professional networking sites like LinkedIn
- Online directories and yellow pages
- Previous data breaches (legally obtained information)
Information Available on FastPeopleSearch
According to their privacy notice, FastPeopleSearch collects and displays:
Personal Identifiers:
- Full name and known aliases
- Current and previous addresses
- Phone numbers (landline and mobile)
- Email addresses
- Date of birth
- Age estimates
Relationship Data:
- Names of relatives and family members
- Associates and known connections
- Household members
- Previous roommates or neighbors
Property Information:
- Real estate ownership records
- Property values and tax assessments
- Sale and purchase history
- Rental property associations
Professional Data:
- Business affiliations
- Professional licenses
- Corporate records
- Employment history (limited)
FastPeopleSearch vs FastPeopleSearch.com vs FastPeopleSearch.info
One source of confusion is the existence of multiple similar websites. Here’s the breakdown:
FastPeopleSearch.com – The main platform with the largest database and most comprehensive information. This is the site most people refer to when discussing “FastPeopleSearch.”
FastPeopleSearch.info – A related but separate website that appears to be an affiliate or competitor. It has different data sources and removal processes.
Other variations – Several copycat sites exist with similar names, often designed to confuse users or redirect traffic.
For this guide, we focus primarily on FastPeopleSearch.com, which handles the majority of user searches and privacy concerns.
Is FastPeopleSearch Legal?
Yes, FastPeopleSearch operates within legal boundaries by accessing only publicly available information. However, the legality of their operations doesn’t address the ethical concerns or potential misuse of the data they provide.
Legal Framework
Protected Activities:
- Accessing public records is constitutionally protected under the Freedom of Information Act
- Compiling publicly available data is generally legal
- Providing information for legitimate purposes (reconnecting with people, genealogy research)
Legal Limitations:
- Cannot be used for employment screening without consent
- Prohibited for credit, insurance, or financial decisions
- Cannot be used for tenant screening without proper authorization
- Violates various state and federal laws when used for harassment or stalking
Privacy Law Considerations
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA): FastPeopleSearch must comply with CCPA requirements for California residents, including providing opt-out mechanisms and data deletion upon request.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): While primarily affecting European users, GDPR has influenced privacy practices across many data brokers operating globally.
State Privacy Laws: Various states have implemented privacy protection laws that affect how data brokers can collect, store, and distribute personal information.
Why FastPeopleSearch Is Dangerous
Despite its legal status, FastPeopleSearch poses several significant risks to personal privacy and security:
Identity Theft Risks
Information Aggregation: The platform combines data points that individually might be harmless but together create detailed profiles perfect for identity theft.
Social Engineering: Criminals use the relationship information to create convincing phishing attempts or impersonation schemes.
Financial Fraud: Address history and personal details help fraudsters apply for credit or loans in victims’ names.
Personal Safety Concerns
Stalking and Harassment: Ex-partners, estranged family members, or other dangerous individuals can easily track current addresses and contact information.
Home Invasion Risks: Property information combined with address data can help criminals identify valuable targets.
Workplace Safety: Domestic violence victims trying to escape abusive relationships can be easily located through these services.
Professional and Social Impact
Reputation Damage: Inaccurate information or associations with the wrong people can harm professional prospects.
Social Engineering: Information about relatives and associates enables sophisticated social engineering attacks.
Privacy Erosion: The normalization of personal information sharing erodes expectations of privacy in society.
Real-World Examples
Privacy advocates have documented numerous cases where FastPeopleSearch information was misused:
- Domestic violence victims being tracked by abusers
- Identity theft cases involving detailed personal profiles
- Professional reputation damage from inaccurate associations
- Elderly people being targeted for scams using family information
How to Remove Yourself from FastPeopleSearch.com
Removing your information from FastPeopleSearch requires following their specific opt-out process. Here’s the complete step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Access the Removal Page
Navigate to fastpeoplesearch.com/removal using any web browser. You can also access this page by:
- Going to the main FastPeopleSearch.com website
- Scrolling to the bottom of the page
- Clicking “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information”
- Following the link to the opt-out form
Step 2: Complete the Initial Form
On the removal page, you’ll need to provide:
Email Address: Enter a valid email address. We recommend creating a dedicated privacy email account rather than using your personal or business email.
Terms Agreement: Read and check the box agreeing to their terms and conditions.
CAPTCHA Verification: Complete the “I’m not a robot” challenge.
Submit: Click “Begin removal process”
Step 3: Search for Your Profile
After submitting the initial form, you’ll be taken to a search page where you need to:
Enter Your Information:
- First and last name
- City where you live
- State where you live
- ZIP code (optional but recommended)
Click “Free Search” to see results matching your information.
Step 4: Locate Your Profile
FastPeopleSearch will display a list of profiles matching your search criteria. Carefully review each result to find the one(s) that belong to you. Look for:
- Correct spelling of your name
- Current or previous addresses you recognize
- Phone numbers associated with you
- Family members or relatives listed
- Age or date of birth information
Step 5: Initiate Removal
Once you’ve identified your profile:
- Click “View Free Details” below your record
- On the detailed profile page, look for the “Remove My Record” button
- Click this button to submit your opt-out request
Important: If you don’t see the “Remove My Record” button, it may indicate:
- You’re looking at the wrong profile
- The page hasn’t fully loaded
- There’s a technical issue with the website
Step 6: Email Verification
After submitting your removal request:
- Check your email inbox for a message from FastPeopleSearch
- The subject line will be “Opt out request for FastPeopleSearch.com”
- Click the verification link in the email
- You’ll be taken to a confirmation page stating “Record Removal Complete”
Step 7: Verify Removal
Within 1-72 hours (usually much faster), your profile should be removed. To verify:
- Return to the original listing URL
- The page should show an error message like “Something went wrong”
- Try searching for yourself again to ensure no profiles appear
Alternative Removal Methods
If the standard opt-out process doesn’t work, try these alternative approaches:
Phone Removal
Call FastPeopleSearch at (866) 679-8725 and speak with a customer service representative. Provide:
- Your full name
- All current and previous addresses
- Date of birth
- Any other identifying information
- Specific request to opt out of their database
Contact Form Method
Use the contact form on FastPeopleSearch.com to submit a removal request. Include:
- Your full name and aliases
- All addresses associated with your profile
- Phone numbers listed in your profile
- The specific URL of your listing
- A clear request for removal
Written Request
While FastPeopleSearch states they don’t accept removal requests via mail, you can try sending a written request to:
FastPeopleSearch PO BOX 55071 Boston, MA 02205-5071
Include all identifying information and a clear request for data deletion.
Common Removal Problems and Solutions
“Remove My Record” Button Missing
Problem: The removal button doesn’t appear on your profile page.
Solutions:
- Refresh the page and wait for it to fully load
- Try accessing the page from a different browser
- Disable ad blockers that might interfere with page elements
- Contact FastPeopleSearch directly via phone or contact form
Email Verification Not Received
Problem: You don’t receive the verification email after submitting an opt-out request.
Solutions:
- Check spam and junk folders
- Wait up to 24 hours for delivery
- Use a different email address
- Contact customer service to manually process the request
Information Reappears
Problem: Your information shows up again after successful removal.
Solutions:
- Understand that new public records can cause re-listing
- Set up monitoring to check for your information regularly
- Submit new removal requests as needed
- Consider automated removal services for ongoing protection
Multiple Profiles
Problem: You find several profiles for yourself on the platform.
Solutions:
- Remove each profile individually using the same process
- Search using different name variations and previous addresses
- Check for profiles under maiden names or aliases
- Remove profiles for relatives that might link back to you
FastPeopleSearch Removal: What Happens Next
Immediate Effects
After successful removal from FastPeopleSearch:
Profile Deletion: Your detailed profile page becomes inaccessible, typically within 1-24 hours.
Search Results: Your name should no longer appear in FastPeopleSearch search results.
Data Retention: According to their privacy policy, some information may remain in their databases for “record-keeping purposes” but won’t be publicly displayed.
Ongoing Considerations
Re-listing Risk: New public records can cause your information to reappear on the platform.
Related Sites: Removal from FastPeopleSearch doesn’t affect your listings on other people search sites.
Search Engine Caching: Google, Bing, and other search engines may still show cached versions of your old profile for weeks or months.
Removing Cached Results
To remove FastPeopleSearch results from search engines:
Google Removal:
- Visit Google’s removal tool for personally identifiable information
- Submit the URLs of your old FastPeopleSearch profiles
- Wait for Google to process the removal request
Bing Removal:
- Use Bing’s content removal tool
- Submit the specific URLs you want removed
- Monitor for removal completion
FastPeopleSearch Free: Understanding the Business Model
Understanding how FastPeopleSearch makes money despite offering “free” searches helps explain their data practices and removal policies.
Revenue Streams
Affiliate Marketing: FastPeopleSearch earns commissions by directing users to paid background check services after showing limited free information.
Data Sales: While they provide basic information for free, they likely sell more detailed data to other companies and data brokers.
Premium Reports: Some features may require payment or subscription to access full details.
Advertising Revenue: The website displays ads and sponsored content to monetize traffic.
The “Freemium” Model
FastPeopleSearch uses a freemium approach:
Free Tier:
- Basic name, age, and location information
- Limited address history
- Some relative names
- Phone number associations (partial)
Paid/Premium Features:
- Detailed background reports
- Complete address history
- Full phone number lists
- Email addresses
- Property records
- Court records
This model encourages users to upgrade to paid services while still generating revenue from free users through ads and data collection.
Protecting Your Privacy Beyond FastPeopleSearch
Removing yourself from FastPeopleSearch is just the first step in comprehensive privacy protection. Here’s how to secure your information across the broader data broker ecosystem:
Other Major People Search Sites
Similar Platforms to Monitor:
- BeenVerified
- Spokeo
- Whitepages
- TruthFinder
- Intelius
- PeopleFinders
- TruePeopleSearch
- CheckPeople
Each of these platforms has its own removal process, and many share data with each other.
Automated Removal Services
Consider using professional privacy services that handle removals across multiple platforms:
Incogni: Covers 420+ data brokers including FastPeopleSearch, with ongoing monitoring and re-removal services.
DeleteMe: Removes information from 750+ sites and provides quarterly reports on removal success.
Optery: Offers both free and paid tiers for removing data from dozens of people search sites.
Privacy Pros: Specializes in high-risk individuals like law enforcement, judges, and domestic violence victims.
Proactive Privacy Protection
Limit Public Record Creation:
- Use a P.O. Box for mail instead of home address when possible
- Consider using business entities for property purchases
- Be cautious about voter registration (some states allow address confidentiality)
- Limit social media information sharing
Monitor Your Digital Footprint:
- Set up Google Alerts for your name and personal information
- Regularly search for yourself on major people search sites
- Check social media privacy settings frequently
- Review and limit information on professional networking sites
Financial Privacy:
- Use credit monitoring services to detect identity theft
- Freeze your credit reports with all major bureaus
- Consider identity monitoring services
- Limit personal information on financial accounts
FastPeopleSearch Alternatives for Legitimate Research
If you need to find someone for legitimate reasons, consider these ethical alternatives:
Social Media Search
Professional Networks:
- LinkedIn for professional connections
- Alumni directories for school connections
- Professional association websites
Social Platforms:
- Facebook (with appropriate privacy respect)
- Twitter/X for public figures
- Instagram for public profiles
Official Channels
Government Resources:
- Voter registration databases (where legally accessible)
- Court records (for legal matters)
- Professional licensing boards
- Business registration databases
Traditional Methods:
- Phone directories (for listed numbers)
- Professional referrals
- Mutual connections
- Direct contact attempts
Ethical Search Services
Legitimate Background Check Companies:
- Services that require consent for employee screening
- Court-approved services for legal proceedings
- Licensed private investigators for appropriate cases
Legal Rights and Data Protection
Understanding your legal rights regarding data brokers like FastPeopleSearch empowers you to take appropriate action:
Federal Rights
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): While FastPeopleSearch isn’t technically a consumer reporting agency, they can’t be used for employment, credit, or tenant screening without consent.
First Amendment Protections: The right to access public information is constitutionally protected, which is why these services can legally operate.
State Rights
California (CCPA/CPRA):
- Right to know what personal information is collected
- Right to delete personal information
- Right to opt out of the sale of personal information
- Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights
Virginia (VCDPA):
- Similar rights to CCPA for Virginia residents
- Includes rights to access, correct, and delete personal data
Other States: Many states are implementing or considering comprehensive privacy laws that affect data broker operations.
Enforcement and Complaints
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File complaints about deceptive practices or violations of consumer protection laws.
State Attorneys General: Many states actively investigate and prosecute data broker violations.
Better Business Bureau: Document complaints and track company responses to consumer issues.
The Future of People Search Engines
The landscape of people search engines and data brokers is rapidly evolving due to:
Regulatory Changes
Increasing Privacy Laws: More states are implementing comprehensive privacy legislation that restricts data broker activities.
Federal Legislation: Congress is considering national privacy laws that would significantly impact the data broker industry.
International Influence: GDPR and similar international laws are influencing U.S. privacy practices.
Technology Developments
Artificial Intelligence: Advanced AI makes it easier to correlate data from multiple sources, potentially making privacy protection more difficult.
Blockchain: Some privacy advocates are exploring blockchain-based identity management as a solution to data broker issues.
Privacy Technology: New tools and services are emerging to help individuals control their digital footprints.
Industry Consolidation
The data broker industry is consolidating, with larger companies acquiring smaller competitors. This could lead to:
- More comprehensive databases
- Standardized removal processes
- Increased regulatory oversight
- Better privacy protection tools
Expert Recommendations for Privacy Protection
Based on privacy expert analysis and user feedback, here are the most effective strategies for protecting yourself from people search engines:
Immediate Actions (Today)
- Remove yourself from FastPeopleSearch using the process outlined above
- Check the top 10 people search sites for your information
- Set up Google Alerts for your name and personal information
- Review social media privacy settings and limit publicly visible information
- Consider a privacy-focused email service for sensitive communications
Short-term Actions (This Month)
- Complete removal from major data brokers (BeenVerified, Spokeo, Whitepages, etc.)
- Freeze your credit reports with all major bureaus
- Set up identity monitoring services
- Review and update online accounts for privacy
- Consider automated removal services if you find widespread data exposure
Long-term Actions (Ongoing)
- Monitor your digital footprint regularly
- Practice proactive privacy protection when sharing information
- Stay informed about privacy laws and your rights
- Support privacy-focused legislation and organizations
- Help others understand privacy risks and protection strategies
Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Digital Privacy
FastPeopleSearch represents both the power and the peril of our digital age. While the platform provides access to public information that can help people reconnect and conduct legitimate research, it also poses significant privacy and security risks that most users don’t fully understand.
The key takeaways from this comprehensive guide:
Removal is Possible: You can successfully remove your information from FastPeopleSearch, but it requires following their specific process and may need to be repeated over time.
Privacy is Ongoing: Protecting your privacy isn’t a one-time action but an ongoing process that requires vigilance and proactive measures.
Legal Protections are Limited: While data brokers like FastPeopleSearch operate legally, the law provides limited protection for individual privacy rights.
Professional Help Available: If the removal process seems overwhelming, professional privacy services can handle much of the work for you.
Awareness is Key: Understanding how these services work and what information they collect is the first step in protecting yourself and your family.
The digital privacy landscape will continue evolving, with new threats and protections emerging regularly. By staying informed, taking proactive measures, and supporting privacy-friendly legislation, we can work toward a future where individuals have greater control over their personal information.
Remember that privacy protection is not about hiding wrongdoing—it’s about maintaining the basic human right to control your personal information and protect yourself and your family from the very real risks of data exposure in our increasingly connected world.
Whether you’re dealing with FastPeopleSearch specifically or the broader challenge of digital privacy protection, the most important step is to start taking action today. Your privacy and security are worth the effort, and the tools and knowledge to protect yourself are available if you’re willing to use them.
